How to Live in Praise, even in Trials Part 3

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out
everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in
Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the
word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal,
the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of
those who are God's possessionto the praise of his glory.
Ephesians 1:11-14
How can we live a life of praise, even when going through trials?
While Paul was imprisoned in Rome awaiting a possible death sentence, he wrote the book of Ephesians.
In Ephesians 1:3-14 specifically, he seems to be singing praise song unto God. It begins with, Praise be to
the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every
spiritual blessing in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).
How could Paul praise while in prison, his ability to praise came from his focus. He was not focused on
his unfortunate circumstances. He was focused on the heavenly realms where believers are seated in
Christ. He was focused on all the spiritual blessing he hadblessings that came from the Spirit. In verses
3-10, he details many of the believers spiritual blessings. These include election and adoption as sons
into the family of God, our redemption, forgiveness of sins, and God lavishing wisdom and
discernment on us (v. 4-10).
In Ephesians 11-14, he continues this song about the spiritual blessings believers have received in Christ.
As we continue to study this text, we learn about how we can live a life of praise by living a life of focus.
Big Question: What does Paul praise God for in his blessing song? How can we implement worship
in our daily lives, especially when in trials?

In Order to Live in Praise, Believers Must Focus on Gods Sovereignty

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out
everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in
Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the
word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal,
the promised Holy Spirit,
Ephesians 1:11-13
Another aspect that we must focus on if we are going to live a life of praise is Gods sovereignty. Paul
mentions again how believers were chosen and predestined but he adds according to the plan of him who
works everything in conformity with the purpose of his will (v.11).
Paul not only sees God in control of salvation, as he chooses to elect some, but also totally in control of
all things. He says God works everything, some versions say all things, in conformity with the

purpose of his will. The word works is the Greek word energeo. It is the word that we get the English
words energy and energize.1 Scripture teaches that God is energizing all things for his purposes and
therefore is in control of all things. Nothing happens apart from his sovereign will. No doubt, this was a
tremendous comfort to Paul while he was in prison.
Interpretation Question: In what ways do we see Gods sovereignty over all things taught
throughout Scripture?
1. Scripture teaches Gods ordination of all mans daysthey were planned out beforehand.
David said this, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be (Psalm 139:16).
2. Scripture teaches Gods control over natural events.
Christ told the disciples in Matthew 6 that God feeds the birds and clothes the lilies of the field (v. 26,
30). We would all say those happen by natural processes such as a bird collecting his food and
photosynthesis in plants. However, Scripture teaches that events may have multiple causes and yet
God be the ultimate cause. Theologians have called this the law of concurrence.
3. Scripture teaches Gods control of chance events.
Proverbs 16:33 says, The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. The lot can
also be translated the dice as in the NLT.
4. Scripture shows Gods control over the hearts of men.
In the scenario of Pharaoh, Scripture teaches that Pharaoh hardened his heart and yet God did it (Ex
8:14, 14:8). In support of this, Proverbs 21:1 tells us, The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he
directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.
5. Scripture teaches Gods control of all disasters.
Amos said this, When disaster comes to a city, has not the LORD caused it? (3:6).
6. Scripture teaches Gods control of Satan and evil.
When Satan tested Job, he had to get permission from God (Job 1).
This is all a mystery. Somehow, in some way, Scripture says that even as we pour water into a plastic
bottle and it conforms to the bottle, everything conforms to Gods will and is in some way
foreordained. In fact, he is energizing everything towards that purpose. It is a mystery.
Interpretation Question: How can God be in control of everything including mans choices and evil
and yet still be just?
1 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1986). Ephesians (pp. 3132). Chicago: Moody Press.

One Scripture that may help us understand Gods sovereignty is Colossians 1:17. It says, He is before all
things, and in him all things hold together. Christ holds the trees together; he holds humans together; he
holds angels and demons together; he holds atoms together, and everything else. Nothing can function
without his energy. Therefore, nothing can act apart from him being totally in control. He is not a
watch maker who makes a watch and it operates on its own. Scripture says he is totally in control of the
watch at all times. He has to be, God did not make the universe to run apart from his energy, his
working (v. 11).
With all that said, though Scripture teaches Gods sovereignty, it also teaches God cannot be blamed for
sin, he does not tempt man, and that man is responsible for his choices. James 1:13 says, When
tempted, no one should say, God is tempting me. For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt
anyone. This is a mystery.
The Mystery of Gods Will
Another concept that might help us reconcile this difficult truth of Gods sovereignty over mans choices
and even evil is considering the will of God. Many times theologians parse Gods will into two parts:
Gods moral or perfect will and Gods sovereign will. Not everything in Gods moral will happens. For
instance, Scripture says God isnt willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance
and he desires that all men be saved (2 Peter 3:9, 1 Tim 2:4). However, not all will be saved and some
will perish, even though that is not Gods desire or will (cf. Matt 25:41). Gods moral or perfect will does not
always happen.
Is it Gods will for little children to be abused? No. Is it his will that we fall into sin? No. It is not Gods perfect
will. But somehow in Gods sovereign will, it is. Even the death of Gods Son was predestined (Acts 2:38).
He works in and uses all things for the good (Rom 8:28). He works all things according to the purpose of
his will (Eph 1:11). He energizes them. However, it must be noted that this doesnt remove the mystery of
Gods sovereignty, but it may give us better understanding.
Paul could rejoice and sing in prison because he focused on Gods sovereignty. He saw God in
control of his election to salvation, but he also saw God in control of all things. He could have peace
and joy while in prison awaiting a possible death sentence because he saw God totally in controlnot
the devil and not evil men. It for this reason that Paul could teach Romans 8:28, And we know that in all
things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
It was this theology that allowed Joseph to have peace while standing in front of those who put him
into slavery. He said to his brothers, What you meant for bad, God meant for good (Gen 50:20). It was
the same with Job. Instead of Job being angry at those who robbed him or the natural disasters which
occurred, he simply said, The Lord gives and he takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord (Job
1:21). Those who dont understand or focus on Gods sovereignty only see the devil and people. They
instead focus on these, and it takes away their joy their song. But Job focused on the sovereignty of
God and so did Joseph and Paul.
With all of that said, Paul didnt just see Gods sovereignty, but he also saw human responsibility. In
continuing his praise over the believers election to salvation, he says:

in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you
also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having
believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit
guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possessionto the
praise of his glory.
Ephesians 1:12-14
Interestingly, in this section he switches between speaking to the Jews and to the Gentiles. He says,
in order that we [Jews] who were the first to hope in Christ and you [Gentiles] also were included in
Christ when you heard the word of truth (v.12). In speaking to the Jews who first put their hope in Christ
and then to the Gentiles who heard the word of truth and believed, Paul recognized human
responsibility, though it was secondary to Gods sovereignty. The Jews and Gentiles responded because
they were first chosen and predestined according to the purpose of him who works everything
according to the purpose of his will. This is a balanced view. Focusing on Gods sovereignty is not a
denial of human effort or responsibility or even the work of the evil one. It is recognizing the one who is
ultimately in control.
Yes, we recognize our sin, the failures of others, and work of the evil one but not apart from the sovereign
rule of God who works everything to the good of those who love the Lord. In Gods sovereignty, he can
even use my sin, the failure of others, and the temptation of the evil one all to make us into the image of his
Son, which he predestined before time (Rom 8:29). This is the way a person can live in praise while
being persecuted for righteousness by evil men and the evil one. He sees God as sovereign and in
control over the events of this world.
Do you see God as sovereign? Do you tend to focus on men and the devil over God? Its the man who
focuses on Gods sovereignty who can sing in a prison cell.
Application Question: Why is Gods sovereignty important for our spiritual lives?
1. It is important for prayer.
If God is not in control, why pray? Why pray to a God that doesnt control everything? How can you
have faith in your prayers if God isnt absolutely in control?
2. It is important for our comfort.
How can you have comfort in a world that is ungodly, full of demons and evil men, unless you have
supreme confidence that God is ultimately in control? If you dont believe in Gods sovereignty, you will
probably be a bitter and angry person or a complainer. When Shimei cursed David, as David fled his
kingdom, he did not get angry at Shimei. His soldiers ask David why he would not kill this little flea. David
responded, God has told him to curse, let him curse (2 Sam 16:10). David saw God in control of the
hardening of hearts and he trusted Gods purposes. Instead of becoming bitter, angry, and vengeful like his
men. He trusted God.

Job was the same. When he lost his family and job, he said, The Lord gives and he takes away blessed
be the name of the Lord. Those who do not have this doctrine will have little comfort in life.
3. It is important for our ministry.
We can minister in confidence because the Sovereign will provide for us, protect us, and empower us.
Christ all authority had been given to him so we could go and make disciples of all nations (Matt
28:18-20). Sovereignty is just another word for authority. He will empower us to do his work.
Application Question: How does Gods sovereignty comfort or encourage you? How can we
maintain a proper balance as we consider events in light of Gods sovereignty, mans responsibility,
and the work of the evil one?

In Order to Live in Praise, Believers Must Focus on the Ministry of the Holy Spirit
Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit
guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possessionto the
praise of his glory.
Ephesians 1:14-15
Observation Question: What terms does Paul use to describe the Holy Spirit in Ephesians 1:14-15
and what do they mean?
The next thing Paul focused on which caused him to sing was the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the believers
life. God has given each believer the Holy Spirit, and he has many roles in the believers life. We learn a
great deal about these roles by the words Paul used for the Spirit. He called him a seal and a deposit.
Interpretation Question: What does the description of a seal say about the Holy Spirits work in
the believers life?
1. As a seal, the Holy Spirit represents authenticityhe proves that a believers salvation is real.
John MacArthur said this:
The sealing of which Paul speaks here refers to an official mark of identification that was placed on
a letter, contract, or other important document. The seal usually was made from hot wax, which was
placed on the document and then impressed with a signet ring. The document was thereby officially
identified with and under the authority of the person to whom the signet belonged. 2
The Holy Spirit authenticates a believer. As mentioned, If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he
does not belong to Christ (Rom 8:9). The Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children
of God (Rom 8:16). He authenticates us by changing us and making us more into Christs image. He
gives us new desires: a desire to pray, a desire to serve God, a desire to love God and others, a
desire to read his Word, etc. If a person does not have these holy affections, then they are not truly saved
they are missing the seal of the Holy Spirit.
2 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1986). Ephesians (p. 34). Chicago: Moody Press.

2. As a seal, the Holy Spirit represents Gods ownership.

In those days slaves and cattle would bear the seal of the owner. The Holy Spirit not only authenticates
us but demonstrates Gods ownership of believers.
3. As a seal, the Holy Spirit represents the security of a believer.
Seals also were used as a form of security. Often kings or those in authority would seal something to say
that it should not be touched or tampered with. John MacArthurs comments are helpful here as well:
In ancient times the seal of a king, prince, or noble represented security and inviolability.
When Daniel was thrown into the lions den, King Darius, along with his nobles, placed their
seals on the stone placed over the entrance to the den, so that nothing might be changed in
regard to Daniel (Dan. 6:17). Any person but the king who broke or disturbed that seal would likely
have forfeited his life. In a similar way the tomb where Jesus was buried was sealed. Fearing that
Jesus disciples might steal His body and falsely claim His resurrection, the Jewish leaders
obtained Pilates permission to place a seal on the stone and to guard it with soldiers (Matt.
27:6266).3
This is one of the reasons we know that a true believers salvation is secure. The Holy Spirit seals him.
Consider what Paul said in Ephesians 4:30, And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were
sealed for the day of redemption. Even though we were redeemed from slavery to sin, our ultimate
redemption awaits our resurrected bodies. The Holy Spirit seals us until that final work happens and so
do Jesus and the Father. Jesus said this in John 10:27-30:
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall
never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater
than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one.
God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit work to secure a believers salvation.
4. As a seal, the Holy Spirit represents authority.
To have a kings signet ring or seal meant to hold his power and authority (cf. Esther 8:8-12). In the
same way, Gods seal on every believer represents his authority to teach the Word of God, to defend
it, to use their spiritual gifts to build Gods kingdom, etc. Again, Christ said this when he ascended to
heaven:
All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and
teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the
very end of the age.
Matthew 28:18-20
3 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1986). Ephesians (pp. 3435). Chicago: Moody Press.

Because we have been sealed with the Holy Spirit, we have the authority of the king to do his ministry.
Interpretation Question: What does it mean that we have been given the Holy Spirit as a deposit?
Not only did Paul say the Holy Spirit was a seal but a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the
redemption of those who are God's possession (v. 14). The Holy Spirit secures our inheritance.
Before we consider how the Holy Spirit is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance, it must be noted that our
inheritance can also be translated were made an inheritance (KJV). It could mean that God has given
us an inheritance or that we are Gods inheritance. In verse 18, he focuses on believers being an
inheritance to God. It says, I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you
may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.
However, the context of Paul speaking about the spiritual blessing believers received in Christ (v. 3) points
to interpreting verse 14 as our inheritance, like the NIV.
Now, how is the Holy Spirit a deposit?
1. As a deposit, the Holy Spirit guarantees our future inheritance.
The word deposit can be translated earnest or even engagement ring.4 An engagement ring is a promise
for future marriage. An earnest is the down payment to guarantee the final purchase of some commodity
or piece of property.5 When a person bought a piece of property in those times, they put down earnest
money. This money guaranteed that the rest of the money was coming. It is often similar in purchasing
property today. A person will put down 10% or 20% as a guarantee that the rest is coming.
The Lord gave us the Holy Spirit as our earnest. He is our guarantee that we will receive every spiritual
blessing in Christ.
2. As a deposit, the Holy Spirit is a foretaste of our inheritance in heaven.
The earnest was part of the future payment. In the same way, the Holy Spirit is a foretaste of our
heavenly inheritance. Paul said, For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of
righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). Heaven will be full of
righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. These are all things that the Holy Spirit wants to give
us now. He wants to fill us with righteousness and get rid of sin in our lives. He wants to give us
peace and joyno matter the trials we go through. Our experience now in the Holy Spirit is a taste of our
heavenly joy.
How can we sing while in trials? We can sing because God has given us an inheritance. He sealed us
and is protecting us for it. He has given us his authority to use for his glory. He has authenticated that
we are his. He has given us a taste and a guarantee of heaven. While Paul was in prison, he enjoyed a
taste of his inheritance in heaven through the work of the Holy Spirit. Though he had lost everything,
he had everything in Christ and through the work of the Holy Spirit. And this is true for us as well. Let
us sing because of our inheritance which we can even enjoy now.
4 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1986). Ephesians (p. 36). Chicago: Moody Press.
5 Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 13). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

Application Question: In what ways does the Holy Spirits role as a seal and a deposit comfort or
encourage you? How can we better apply these realities to our life and ministry?

In Order to Live in Praise, Believers Must Focus on the Glory of God

in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you
also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having
believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit
guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possessionto the
praise of his glory.
Ephesians 1:12-14
Finally, the last thing Paul focused on which drew him to praise was the glory of God. Glory refers to
the weight of something or how great something or a person is. In verse 12 and 14, he talked about how
the ultimate reason God saved us was for the praise of his glory. Salvation is not ultimately about
man, it is about God and his glory. God is glorified through our salvation because our salvation could
only happen through his initiative in electing and saving man. Salvation glorifies God because it was
through his wisdom and power that this plan came together. It all glorifies God.
In fact, this will be mentioned several times throughout the letter, but one of the ways the salvation of
man glorifies God is by demonstrating Gods grace and wisdom to the angels in heaven. Look at
these verses:
And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in
order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in
his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:6-7
His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to
the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,
Ephesians 3:10
Who is God demonstrating his grace and wisdom to? To the angels. When the demonic angels fell in
heaven, the angels had never seen Gods grace. They saw Gods judgment on the angels. But in man,
they saw Gods graceunmerited favoras he saved an undeserving people. They also saw his wisdom,
as this was planned before time. Salvation is ultimately a work that glorifies God. Sometimes churches
preach the gospel as though salvation is the ultimate purpose of God and the Bible. No, the glory of
God is. Saving man is a means to glorify God.
Paul could sing in prison because he saw the ultimate purpose of his life as the glory of God. Listen, if the
ultimate purpose of your life is your comfort, your happiness, your joy, you will not be able to sing
while in trials, instead you will worry, complain, and become bitter.
Only those who realize God is ultimately in control and who realize everything is conforming to Gods
plan to bring glory to himself can praise even while in prison. If it is to Gods glory, that I suffer, so be

it. If it is to Gods glory that I wait and patiently persevere, so be it. If it is to Gods glory that I prosper, so be
it. But let all things bring glory to God. That is the type of heart and the type of focus that can praise God in
every trial.
What is your focus? Is it your happiness, your success, your glory? If so, you will miss the joy we were
meant to have as we seek to bring glory to God in all of lifes circumstances. Paul said, So whether you
eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31).
Amen. Let this be so.
Application Question: How can we live for the glory of God?
1. We live for Gods glory by doing our best at the endeavors he has called us to.
Colossians 3:23 says, Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
2. We live for Gods glory by trusting him in everything (Prov 3:5).
Proverbs 3:5 says, Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
3. We live for Gods glory by submitting to him in everything.
Christ said, Not my will, but thy will be done (Lk 22:42).
4. We live for Gods glory by seeking to reflect him in everything we do.
Ephesians 5:1 says, Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children. When we imitate God, we
glorify him.
5. We live for Gods glory by thanking him in everything and worshiping as Paul did.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Application Question: What makes it hard to live a life that is totally focused on the glory of God?
Why is it so easy to be distracted from this? How is God challenging you to make his glory your
focus in everything?

Conclusion
How can we live a life of praise, even while in trials?
1. In Order to Live in Praise, Believers Must Focus on Gods Sovereignty
2. In Order to Live in Praise, Believers Must Focus on the Ministry of the Holy Spirit
3. In Order to Live in Praise, Believers Must Focus on the Glory of God